THE CAN 
TER. 
We have hitherto devoted our attention to systems 
of locomotion which permit the division of a stride into 
two co-ordinate parts, each of which, with a reciprocation 
of limb action, is essentially a repetition of the other. 
We now come to a different class of motion, the strides 
of which cannot be so divided, and each one must be 
considered as a unit, unsuited for equitable partition. 
The canter has the same sequence of foot-fallings as 
the walk, but without the same regularity of intervals, 
and during a portion of the stride the body has a longer 
or shorter unsupported transit. In this gait the spring 
is invariably taken from a fore-foot, while the landing is 
effected on the diagonal hind-foot. 
Series 43 demonstrates the spring on the point of 
being taken by A in 4 ; • is not squarely on the ground 
until phase 9 is attained; the other three feet in the 
meanwhile are being gradually thrust forward. In 12 ▲ 
comes to the assistance of #, when the support is admin¬ 
istered by the right laterals, but for a very brief period; 
O quickly follows in the wake of its diagonal, and in 
the next phase the rear part of its shoe is in close 
proximity to the ground. So rapidly does the following 
usually take place, that the ear is frequently incapable 
of recognizing an interval between the successive sounds 
of the foot-impacts. We now find • ▲ O engaged in 
supporting the body, ▲ having the greatest strain. 
At an ordinary speed the first hind-foot to fall is 
lifted in advance of the second fore-foot’s descent, and, 
as in 16 and 17, the diagonals assume the responsibility 
of support. A is now brought to the relief of ▲ O ; 
the former, however, soon dissolves the tripartite, and 
relinquishes its offices in favour of the left laterals ; this 
partnership is of brief duration, for in 22 we find O 
deserting its post, and leaving A to its solitary labours, 
which it satisfactorily performs through several phases, 
when it joins its companions in the enjoyment of a 
period of rest, from which # will again be the first to 
go to work. 
From this analysis we ascertain the sequence ot 
phases in a representative stride to be— 
H3 
